Patient-reported safety and tolerability of the COVID-19 vaccines in persons with rare neuroimmunological diseases

Lotan, Itay; Romanow, Gabriela; Levy, Michael

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 vaccines are currently recommended for people with rare neuroimmunological diseases such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), MOG-antibody disease (MOGAD), and transverse myelitis. However, the safety profile of the vaccines in this population is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To report real-world safety data of the COVID-19 vaccines in persons with rare neuroimmunological diseases. METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed to patients recruited on social media. Participants answered general demographic and disease-related questions, and specific questions about their experiences with the COVID-19 vaccines. RESULTS: 438 participants completed the questionnaire. The median age was 51 (range 18–82 years); 366 were female (83.6%); 102 (23.3%) had associated comorbidities, and 354 (80.1%) were treated with immunotherapies. 242 participants (55.3%) reported a diagnosis of NMOSD; 99 (22.6%) had MOGAD; 79 (18%) had transverse myelitis. 239 participants (66.2%) were younger than 55 years of age. 138 participants (31.5%) reported earlyadverse events. Of these, 93 (67.4%) were < 55 years old, and 45 (32.6%) were > 55 years old (p=0.0086). The most common adverse events were local reactions, including pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, reported by 155 participants (35.4%). 73 participants (16.7%) reported new or worsening neurological symptoms following the vaccination. Most symptoms occurred within the first week after vaccination and resolved within three days. CONCLUSIONS: This survey indicates an overall favorable safety and tolerability profile of the COVID-19 vaccines among persons with rare neuroimmunological diseases. Longer-term studies are warranted to confirm these data.